Michal Berkner: A Legal Trailblazer Redefining Global M&A Leadership

Michal Berkner is a globally recognized legal expert and a trailblazing mergers and acquisitions (M&A) attorney with a stellar career across some of the world’s most prestigious law firms. With a reputation for leading complex cross-border transactions, particularly in the life sciences and technology sectors, she has made her mark in the legal world as a formidable negotiator, strategic thinker, and advocate for diversity in law. Her dynamic career, powerful presence in the corporate space, and personal affiliations have made her a well-known name both inside and outside legal circles.

Early Life and Education

Michal Berkner was born in April 1973 in Israel and moved to the United States at the age of ten. Her academic path reflects her drive and determination. She studied law at the prestigious University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School, graduating with honors in 1997. Her early exposure to diverse cultures and global dynamics helped shape her legal worldview and provided a solid foundation for her future international legal work.

Professional Journey: A Climb to the Top of Global Law

Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP (1997–2018)

Berkner began her career at Skadden, one of the top global law firms, in New York. Over the course of more than two decades, she ascended through the ranks, earning a reputation as a reliable and strategic legal advisor. She later moved to the firm’s London office, where she played a key role in several high-profile, cross-border M&A transactions. Notably, she was instrumental in the $56 billion sale of TNK-BP to Rosneft, one of the largest oil mergers in history.

Cooley LLP (2018–2024)

In 2018, Michal Berkner joined Cooley LLP in London as a senior M&A partner. At Cooley, she expanded the firm’s influence in the life sciences and technology sectors. She led landmark transactions, including billion-dollar exits and complex growth-stage investments. During this time, she also launched mentorship programs and advocated for greater representation of women in leadership roles.

McDermott Will & Emery (2024)

Her time at McDermott was brief but impactful. Joining in early 2024, she was quickly recognized for her ability to lead sophisticated deals. However, her trajectory soon shifted again as she transitioned to a new leadership role within a globally renowned law firm.

Baker McKenzie (2025–Present)

In March 2025, Berkner joined Baker McKenzie in London as a senior partner, taking on a strategic role as Head of EMEA Biopharma and Deep-Tech Transactions. Here, she continues to work on industry-shaping deals, including the $1.75 billion sale of Baylis Medical to Boston Scientific and the $1.2 billion acquisition of VectivBio by Ironwood.

Legal Philosophy and Impact

Michal Berkner is more than a transactional attorney; she is a visionary leader who believes in using legal practice as a tool for empowerment and positive change. Her work in high-stakes deals often involves complex regulatory, cross-jurisdictional, and cultural challenges, which she navigates with strategic precision. She is known for her ability to maintain calm under pressure, negotiate diplomatically, and advocate fiercely for her clients.

She also prioritizes mentorship and talent development. At each firm, she has played a pivotal role in shaping internal policies that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion. Her legacy is not only in the deals she closes but in the careers she influences.

Michal Berkner Age

As of 2025, Michal Berkner is 52 years old. Her decades of experience reflect a legal journey that began in the late 1990s and has consistently evolved in response to the dynamic nature of global corporate law.

Michal Berkner Family

Michal is married to British Conservative politician Robert Jenrick. The couple tied the knot in 2009 and have three daughters. Their family life is a blend of cultures and traditions, with strong ties to both Jewish and Christian heritage. They reside in a historic manor in Herefordshire, England, reflecting their appreciation for heritage, privacy, and tradition.

Michal Berkner Net Worth

While exact figures are not publicly disclosed, Michal Berkner’s net worth is estimated to be in the multi-million-dollar range. Given her high-ranking roles at global law firms, the scale of transactions she oversees, and her standing as a top-tier M&A attorney, her income and assets are presumed to be substantial. In addition to her legal career, her family’s investments and properties contribute to their overall wealth.

Michal Berkner Wikipedia

As of now, Michal Berkner does not have an official Wikipedia page. However, her career is frequently covered in legal industry publications, financial news outlets, and political profiles due to her professional achievements and public associations. The absence of a Wikipedia page does not reflect a lack of prominence; rather, it highlights the private and selective nature of her public exposure.

Public Persona and Media Presence

Michal Berkner has often been described in the media as a “force of nature,” both for her legal acumen and for her commanding presence in political and social settings. Her influence extends beyond the boardroom, often being acknowledged as a key supporter and strategist in her husband’s political career. Despite her achievements, she maintains a relatively low public profile, focusing on her work and family.

Her appearances at political events and legal conferences are marked by eloquence, strategic insight, and professionalism. She is respected not only for her legal expertise but for her diplomatic communication style and ability to lead with authority and empathy.

Leadership in a Changing Legal Landscape

Michal Berkner’s ability to adapt to the evolving legal and regulatory environment has kept her ahead of the curve. She remains actively involved in shaping firm policy on ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance), sustainability in mergers, and tech-driven legal processes. Her commitment to responsible business practices sets her apart as a modern legal leader.

As new generations of lawyers emerge, Berkner continues to influence not just what deals are made but how they are structured—promoting ethics, compliance, and long-term value creation.

Conclusion: Michal Berkner’s Enduring Legacy

Michal Berkner’s legal career is a testament to what ambition, intellect, and integrity can achieve. From her beginnings as a young lawyer in New York to her current role as a top-tier partner in London, she has consistently broken barriers and redefined what leadership looks like in international law. Her story is not just one of personal success, but of impact—on clients, colleagues, and the future of the legal profession.

Her journey reminds us that excellence in law is not just about expertise; it’s about vision, values, and the willingness to lead change. As she continues to shape the world of global M&A, Michal Berkner stands as an icon of what it means to be a truly modern legal leader.